ZIMBABWE JUSTICE MINISTER TRIED.

Chinamasa is accused of trying to put pressure on a witness. Zimbabwe Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa has gone on trial for allegedly trying to pervert the course of justice. He denies the charge. He is accused of pressuring a witness in the trial of Intelligence Minister Didymus Mutasa's supporters, who were charged over political violence.

The trial was adjourned a week ago, when magistrates refused to try the case, complaining of intimidation. The violence charges date from the 2005 parliamentary election campaign. As the trial began in Rusape, 150km east of Harare, on Tuesday, state witness James Kaunye testified that Mr Chinamasa had tried to get him to withdraw charges against Mr Mutasa's supporters.

The minister's supporters were allegedly involved in clashes with supporters of Mr Kaunye, a liberation war veteran, before the 2005 elections. Correspondents say this is the second time in eight months that magistrates have expressed concern over government interference in the judiciary.

BBC NEWS REPORT.